PhD position (f/m/x) in microbial ecology

Ústav půdní biologie a biogeochemie

Pracovní smlouva

The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Czechia, is seeking a PhD student to work on anaerobic metabolisms of nitrifiers using culturing, stable isotopes and ‘omics methods

PhD position: The position will be based in the Department of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry at the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, located in Ceske Budejovice, Czechia. The position is available from 1st February 2025 (but starting time is flexible until early summer 2025). The initial offer is for 1 year and will be extended to 4 years depending on performance.

Area of work: Microbial nitrifiers are classically considered to be aerobes responsible for aerobic transformation of reactive N, an ecosystem function linked to nutrient cycling and global change. However, recently we have gathered indications for survival of nitrifiers under highly reduced conditions and for a previously unknown anaerobic metabolism of a newly cultured nitrifier. We hypothesise that anaerobic metabolisms in nitrifiers are more widespread than previously assumed and little understood. If true, then the environmental functions of nitrifiers need to be re-evaluated. In this project we will specifically target nitrifiers present in the anoxic hindguts of millipedes as a model study system. The project will employ a powerful combination of techniques, i.e. long- and short-read metagenomic sequencing, targeted culturing of new nitrifiers, and stable isotope incubations with transcriptomics and proteomics, and genome-scale metabolic modeling.

The project will require research visits to foreign laboratories.

• We are looking for a highly motivated and independently working scientist with interest in collaborative & fundamental microbial ecology research
• Applicants should have a strong conceptual and practical background on the application of molecular techniques for characterizing the identity and ecophysiology of microbial community members
• Experience in one or more of the following areas/techniques will be of advantage: microbial ecology of nitrifying microorganisms, amplicon/metagenome/metatranscriptome sequencing and the associated bioinformatics, and cultivation of chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory

We welcome your application regardless of age, gender, cultural and social background, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity. We promote equality of the sexes, therefore, women are given priority in case of equal qualifications and professional performance. We expressly welcome applications from people with a migration background.

• 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly (for 1 FTE)
• Subsidized lunches in our own canteen
• Standard health insurance and social security
• Benefits from Social fund and student benefits
• Working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance
• Welcome service and further support for foreigners (HR Award)
• English speaking, friendly & stimulating international working environment
• Work-life balance in a middle-sized university city offering options for outdoor, sport & cultural activities
• Free language classes (Czech for foreigners, English for Czechs)
• Opportunity to take part in mentoring programmes as a mentor or a mentee
• Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank

The Biology Centre is located in České Budějovice (2 hours south of the capital Prague), a middle-sized city with ca. 100K inhabitants, relaxed atmosphere, over 750 years of tradition and a breathtaking countryside around. Both the town and the surrounding countryside provide numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. There is also a growing international expert community at the Biology Centre CAS (BC CAS) and the University of South Bohemia (USB). In addition, the living costs are still low by international standards. Check out our Guide for Expats (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees) to read about life in the city and the Czech Republic.

The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences holds the HR Award. Our selection process meets European standards for recruitment of researchers (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/candidates/otm-r/) and we provide our employees from abroad with welcome service (visa application, administration, relocation & settlement support). Gender equality plan (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/about-us/gender-equality) has been accepted in 2022.

To apply, please send:

• detailed CV (including a brief description of research interests, previous employments, and publication list if applicable)
• a motivation letter (max. 1 page)
• contact details of two references (letters of recommendation are optional)

via the REPLY button below by 12.01.2025 23:59 CET.

Applications should be sent as a single pdf-document. Please abstain from sending application portraits.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Anne Daebeler at anne.daebeler@bc.cas.cz(subject: PhD MicroE).